Fobus draw technique?

[P12]

Went to the local indoor range for an IDPA match. Purchased a Fobus paddle for my Para P12-45 and a double stack mag paddle.

During one scenario that required to draw and shoot COM asap, I could not draw the gun from the holster. I thought it was due to my shirt getting caught in the holster with the gun. I later discovered that if I draw with a slight twist, the gun will not come out.

Is this holster designed that way? (maybe to secure the weapon from BG draw from the front?)

If this is correct then I will need to pratice a different draw technique.

Obviously, I need to do that anyway! My score wans't too good.

 

[Preacherman]

The Fobus works by gripping the trigger-guard between two plastic "bulges". If the gun is twisted in the holster as you try to draw it, you're basically locking the trigger guard onto one of these bulges, making it more difficult to draw. Try to draw straight up out of the holster before attempting to turn the weapon in any direction.

BTW, I've used Fobus holsters with my Glocks at Thunder Ranch, Chapman Academy and multiple LFI courses, and they've worked just fine through literally thousands of draws. Good product.

 

[Weimadog]

-What Preacherman said in his first paragraph, and-
I had some problems with my Fobus holsters gripping my Glock model 17 and 26 to tightly. My remedy for this was to take a chisel to the bumps on the holster which hold the trigger guard. It's easy to take off thin slices, and then smooth the work with sandpaper. Test by shaking the holster and unloaded gun upside down.

I have also used a lubricant in the Fobus. Not enough to be seen, or left on the gun after it's drawn, but enough so the gun doesn't stick.

Weimadog

 

[P12]

Thanks guys.

If I pull straight it pops right out.

I guess clock position is going to be critical. Can't be too far forward of too far around the side. I may only use it for IDPA.

I want the gun to ride a little higher for normal CCW.

 

[DamnedDirtyApe]

Is it a good idea to use a little Armor-All on a Fobus?

 

[Island Beretta]

You can use Armor-All on the outside to get it all nice and shiny but not inside. The Fobus is a self-retaining holster and there are specific ways to draw the gun from a Fobus holster. I don't think you should tamper with it!!

If the retention is a problem then I suggest you try a Yacqui Slide. Their is none faster and smoother from the draw.

Island B.

 

[Ironbarr]

When I got my Fobus I had a Llama 1911 with the rib running fore and aft 'tween the sights. It was a tight fit and awkward drawing. Since I didn't want to wait the "break-in" period for it to smooth out, I touched it up inside with Armoral. It then was so slick the Llama wouldn't stay put. I rubbed and rubbed to wear down the internal area to get the drag back. Today it is usable but not as tight as I'd like it for my Charles Daly.

Also, the Llama rib dug into the Fobus muzzle end and now my almost new CD (in SS) shows rub wear both sides about and inch in from muzzle.

Weimadog, I was concerned about using sandpaper to smooth the inside "scars". Did your work mess up your gun's finish?

-Andy

 

[Ironbarr]

When I got my Fobus I had a Llama 1911 with the rib running fore and aft 'tween the sights. It was a tight fit and awkward drawing. Since I didn't want to wait the "break-in" period for it to smooth out, I touched it up inside with Armoral. It then was so slick the Llama wouldn't stay put. I rubbed and rubbed to wear down the internal area to get the drag back. Today it is usable but not as tight as I'd like it for my Charles Daly.

Also, the Llama rib dug into the Fobus muzzle end and now my almost new CD (in SS) shows rub wear both sides about and inch in from muzzle.

Weimadog, I was concerned about using sandpaper to smooth the inside "scars". Did your work mess up your gun's finish?

-Andy

 

[Weimadog]

Ironbar,

I use a Glock 26 in the Fobus, and I have not noticed any marring of the finish.

The Fobus grips the Glock at the trigger guard. The trigger guard is just a little bit shiny where they touch. It is not something I am concerned about.

You bring up a good question, regarding using sandpaper on plastic which will then come in contact with metal. It seems that abrasive could come off the sandpaper, become imbeded in the plasic, then scratch the metal. An important consideration if you have a 1911!

Since I have a butt-ugly Glock, I don't worry about it



Weimadog

 

[XLMiguel]

Just got one for my HK USP45C. Holds (real) good, but drawuing requires a pretty straight up snatch, need to practice. AIA, a nice piece of gear, esp. for the price.

 

[Bainx]

Use Armor-All on mine but only one side inside. This yeilded a perfect "grip" by the holster.

 

[Beer for my Horses]

I own a Fobus for my Glock 17 and think it's a great value. However, the first Fobus I purchased was too tight. Instead of messing with it, I simply took it back with my handgun to Glockmeister and tried other Fobus holsters until I found one with the right retention. They are not manufactured to the highest quality assurances, and this should be kept in mind when buying/using one. Make sure you can perform a draw in tactical situations as well as simply drawing to shoot downrange.

If you carry your pistol all day and want to get more/spend more, the best paddle holster I have ever tried, and thus use, is Kramer's MSP paddle holster. The price is a bit steep at $120, but if you need comfort for all day carry there's none better. You can see it BY CLICKING HERE

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Okay, clueless question about holsters ... How exactly are paddle holsters held in place? Are they as secure as belt-slide holsters? I ordered a Fobus belt-slide holster a few days ago, and passed on the paddle holster because I don't know what the relative advantages/disadvantages are.

Joe

 

[Beer for my Horses]

How exactly are paddle holsters held in place?

A paddle holster is held in place by the paddle that rests between the body and the pants. The holster hangs outside the pants. The Fobus paddle has plastic teeth close to where the paddle connects with the holster. When the paddle and holster are pulled apart, the holster can be easily moved. When the paddle and holster close and come together, the "teeth" engage and hold the holster in place during a draw. The Fobus paddle, or any paddle, won't be as secure as a belt holster but it's the most secure paddle holster I have tried, even more secure than my carry paddle holster from Kramer. The "security" however can translate into a rigidity that makes certain draw styles difficult (see above).

p.s. I carry a paddle holster because during the course of the day I have to take it on and off repeatedly because of courthouses and other places which do not allow concealed carry. Otherwise, my daily holster would be my Milt Sparks IWB Versa Max.